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PR Related Link… Good Read!
Posted on: December 18, 2010
- First she advises that new pr pros keep up with integrated communications technologies and disciplines. For example, one should learn about marketing, advertising, and technology so one can get a general feel of how business communications and brands are connected.
- Then she says math and writing skills are essential to being a competent pr professional (yes she said math!). I was taught that math is vital because the ROI ( Return on Investment) of pr campaigns must be measured and justify why it is there in the first place. A department must prove that the campaign worked ( with more customers which equals more money) or identify what did not work so the same costly mistakes will not happen again.
- Then she recommends that pr pros write well, no explanation needed right? I took a total of three journalism writing classes, a pr writing class, and two English writing classes ; in addition, I had to write numerous papers and reports for other social sciences classes. With all of that preparation, writing is not a science, especially in the world of public relations. One must be a Jack or Jane of all trades, read often, and learn about different subject to communicate these ideas to the general public. What is the foundation of all of this? One must have the fundamentals of writing ingrained in his/her skill-set and keep practicing.
- Finally, she talked about networking, developing one’s brand, and learning. These are all interconnected because when one is networking to find a job, connection ,or a mentor, that person will have to have a “brand” to present to these prospective connections. One must know/understand/use social media, make sure not to put unflattering pictures or information on these sites, and present oneself in the best light online and off.
- Then a young pr professional must connect with other professionals ( LinkedIn is a great tool, and has help me tremendously with my networking skills). I also went to conferences and workshops (See ” Think LA Advertising Career Fair” http://tinyurl.com/23hzah4 ) These experiences allowed me to get out of my shell, ask questions, and seek mentors. Also, seeking mentors is essential for any career, especially pr.
Hello!
Well, another year is about to leave us and we are at the dawn of a brand new one.
I have been missing in the bloggosphere, and missing you as well.
I have been been wrapping up my courses ( I know… I graduated a few months ago but I wanted to expand my knowledge and take an advertising/promotion class)
I have continued working as a writing tutor and online intern……
Also, I have been gearing up for the holidays, buying gifts, planning dinner……
In the midst of all of this, I have been interviewing, revising my resume, and trying to gain more experience in public relations.
My wish for the new year is simply to become the business professional I aspire to be, learn more about myself , and become a better person in 2011.
So readers…. what do you wish for the new year.
Signing out….
Ms. Roberts
Happy Holidays from the Roberts Report!
Think LA Advertising Career Fair
Posted on: October 31, 2010
*Image from the Think LA website*
Hello everyone and Happy Halloween!
I know what you are thinking, ” Long time no post Sabrina”. Well, I guess the I ‘m busy… didn’t have time… yada yada … excuses are played out so I will move on ( but sorry about that, and thanks for sticking with me)
Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Think LA Advertising Career Fair. It was great! I had an opportunity to learn more about the ad biz , network with different companies, meet great – like minded students, and visit an ad agency.
In the morning, two ad professionals gave us general and specific to advertising job hunting tips.
- First, they encouraged us to do diligent research of any company- beyond the website. In the advertising field, there is also something called a Red Book. It gives in-depth information of ad agencies in a particular area. For more info go to http://www.redbooks.com/
- Then they encouraged us to use LinkedIn to connect with advertising professionals and companies
- Also, they encouraged us to set up informational interviews and tour the agency. Sine many agencies specialize in different areas and have difference environments, visiting them enables one to find out what they want and get noticed by the company
- Then they went over the basics such as having a one page resume, crafting the cover letter
Then I had the fortune of attending the RPA ( Rubin, Postaer, and Associates) tour . About 40 of us attended a presentation that went through an entire ad campaign from start to finish. Representatives from each department gave presentations about what they did and how it contributed to the campaign. They incorporated online, tv, and 3D elements to their ad campaign ( we even got to view the 3D commercial ourselves) We were left with souvenirs like a detailed booklet of the presentation and our awesome 3D glasses.
All in all, it was a great day. I connected with advertising professionals, learned more about the business, and was able to visit an agency. I recommend this event for anyone who wants to learn more about the ad biz. It was a two day event, but I was unable to attend the second day. The event cost $25 for each day or $40 for both days.
For more information follow this link and look out for more events in the future: http://www.thinkla.org/en/cev/126
Thanks for reading! I am going to go out and enjoy my Halloween and I hope you do the same.
Signing Out ,
The Roberts Report
Hi Readers!
It’s Sabrina.
I was looking to post this article sooner but I lost track of it. In July, the Huffington Post had posted several video journals the educated and jobless.
It is a blessing to have an education. However, to earn their education and not have any prospects betrays the promise that was given to them as children.
I know I am a part of Gen-Y, the so called entitled generation. However, the college = better opportunity connection has been drilled into out brains since elementary school. Then we reach high school and volunteer, work, intern, take AP classes, take the SAT’s and order to get to the right school. Then we reach college in order to work some more, join clubs, volunteer, intern some more, just to have the perfect combination of experience on our resumes. By the time we search for a job, after all of this work, we are called entitled? Generations past didn’t have to put in a fraction of the work required to compete in the job market. If you had a little bit a college then you can get a living wage.
This is not a rant but a frustration that many of us feel when entering this job market. Although one story stuck out with me when a 45 year old college graduate had to face the same realities as a Gen Y grad. People are going back to school in droves to update their skill sets or find new ones. So what is the answer? Is college still worth the investment, or should more people be steered into technical tracks? It is is a discussion that has been mentioned before, but should really be considered as graduates become jobless under the weight of student loan debt ( that can not be discharged in bankruptcy).
Well take a look at the stories of out of work but educated people.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/21/the-unemployment-chronicl_n_653641.html
Also here are the videos from the participants.
Isha Mehmood, 23
Samantha Kreindel, 24
Mark Alfson, 45 * He is not Gen Y, but is a returning student with the same frustrations.
Loren Wearsch, 23
Marquez Forrest, 23
Alex Moroz, 22
Joelle Andrews, 26
Thanks for stopping by. Leave a comment and tell me what do you think of these stories?
Signing out on …. The Roberts Report
Need a Scholarship? Learn Klingon… Or Join the Llama Club: Strange Scholarships
Posted on: September 19, 2010
Hey Readers,
I stumbled upon this Huffington Post article about strange scholarships. I know money is tight, especially with the rising cost of education. So what do you have to loose? Applying to these scholarships can be fun, and a big help covering those tuition or book prices.
Here is the list
1) KLI Academic Award: The Kor Memorial Scholarship: A language studies scholarship
2) American Association of Candy Technologists Scholarship: A $5000 scholarhship for food science, chemical science, biological science majors interested in confectioneries
3) Michigan Llama Association: Become a member, earn a 2.7 or above, and you may get $500
4) American Fire Sprinkler Association Scholarship: H.S students answer questions about sprinklers and are eligible for $1,000 scholarship
5) Tall Clubs International Scholarships: Hey are you 5″10 ( for the ladies) or 6″2 ( for the fellas), you can be eligible for this scholarship… side note…. I’m 5’3, where is my shorties scholarship ( aw well maybe I can create my own)
6) Excellence in Predicting the Future Award: Hey Nostradamus, if you get the stock market predictions correct you can be eligible for up to $400 in scholarship money
7) Eileen J. Garrett Scholarship: Are you into fortune telling? If you wish to become a parapsychology major, you can get $3,000 for your interest
8 ) United States Bowling Congress (USBA) Scholarships: The USBA has a pot of $6 million to give for college bowlers
9) Collegiate Inventors Competition: Invent something great and you can get $10,000-15,000 in scholarship monies
10) Writers and Illustrators of the Future Contest: Are you a sci-fi writer? This scholarship of $500,$750, or $1,000 may be for you
11) Zolp Scholarship: Umm… is your last name Zolp and are you Catholic ? Then go to Layola university because your are getting a free ride!
Well there you have it. Eleven out of the box scholarships for you to explore.
Here is the link for more info: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/09/17/college-scholarships_n_718039.html
Thanks readers!
Signing out, Ms. R
Great Jobs Without a Degree
Posted on: September 19, 2010
Hi Readers!
It’s me again with some interesting stories of the week.
For many of us out there, we are going back to school and restructuring our skill sets. Many jobs that were lost due to the recession are not coming back. So people are forced to learn new skills and try new careers.
However, when people go back they may pursue a major that can find them the most profitable career in the least amount of time.
CNNmoney.com had an article that featured careers that don’t require a four year degree and are very lucrative. However, they do require some form of secondary training, more specialized, and are a bit more technical.
1) Court Reporter
2) Fire Chief
3) Air Traffic Controller
4) Nuclear Power Plant Reactor Manager
5) Director of Security
6) Elevator Mechanic
For more information here is the link : http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2010/pf/1009/gallery.six_figure_jobs/index.html
Thanks for reading,
Signing out on … The Roberts Report
The Office…. PR Style
Posted on: September 12, 2010
Hi readers,
Before I go to sleep, I wanted to share some funny videos I found on YouTube.
There is a part 1&2 and they spoof the “Office” and add some real facts into the video.
Until later my friends! It’s Ms. R signing out!
Part I
Part II
Gen Y… A New Breed of Worker
Posted on: September 12, 2010
- In: Gen Y
- Leave a Comment
Hi readers,
Here is an article that I read on Black Enterprise called “Millennial: The New Breed of American Worker”, and it had an interesting take on how we (Gen Y ) are shaking up the workplace.
First it showcases a young man named Eldridge Betts, and how he turned his inability to finish college ( due to financial reasons) to an opportunity to join the Marriott International Inc. Scholar Program.
Then the article mentions several points:
- Gen Y’s employment stats went from 50% to 41 %
- We are going to be the most educated generation in American history
- Gen Y values diversity, teamwork, and ideas more than experience and seniority
- We also value connecting with others
- Have an instant gratification mentality and views paying your dues differently
- View our careers as always changing and always evolving
I have heard these things before but instead of saying Gen Y is flaky and spoiled like everyone else does, these can be viewed as strengths ( except the instant gratification thing…) So employers, don’t paint us with one broad brush. We are the future of the workplace and have so much to offer to your organizations.
If you want to read more here is the link: http://www.blackenterprise.com/careers/2010/07/08/millennials-the-new-breed-of-american-worker/
So readers, tell me what you think?
Thanks for stopping by and I will talk to you soon.
Signing out on…. The Roberts Report
Debt Free Scholar
Posted on: September 12, 2010
Hey readers,
I linked this blog page in my last post but it seems to have good tips so I want to show it again.
Photo from the internet
Hey readers,
I hope you had a wonderful and restful weekend. I am going to be blogging this week and keeping you updated on the latest news.
As I was trying to find an article that my cousin is featured in ( I still haven’t found it, but if I do… I will post it soon), I stumbled upon this Black Enterprise article called “Economista: How to Pay for Grad School” which discuses ways to pay for furthering your education.
I agreed with two of the suggestions which are :
1) Apply for grants: Grants saved my financial life, literally . I am blessed because I have no student loan debt. That means no collection calls or mailings coming my way. However, if I want to go to grad school this will change. I want to wait and break into the pr field first before I consider going back to grad school. I am taking a few refresher courses at my community college in addition to working there and fortunately I qualify for a fee waiver so my costs are low.
2) Be a graduate teacher’s assistant: This is a great way to earn money, experience, and an education at the same time. I applied for this kind of position but I wasn’t chosen. However, I would be open to this kind of job in the future. The article also found a link that gives advice on the grad and college experience: http://www.debtfreescholar.com/
3) Withdraw from the IRA account
However, I questioned their third suggestion which was to withdraw from an IRA retirement account. I am fortunate enough to have a retirement account offered through my job as a student English tutor. However, if I were to draw from it, I will be subject to taxes and penalties for being too young. The article explains that educational expenses are not charged a penalty but I personally would feel uncomfortable tapping into this account unless it is an emergency. I am not a financial advisor by any means but I would leave my IRA alone.
Also, I read a comment that also added that jobs will reimburse students for furthering their educations. Look at your company’s tuition reimbursement policy or contact hr ( or any other benefits department for details)
If you want to look at the article, here is the link : http://www.blackenterprise.com/careers/2010/08/11/economista-how-to-pay-for-grad-school/
Ok readers, look out for more post. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Brina signing out on,
The Roberts Report
Adventures in PR Land 
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